The Philadelphia 76ers ended a tough four-game road trip with a 105-92 loss to the Chicago Bulls on Saturday night. The Sixers were missing Joel Embiid for the fourth consecutive game. It was the second night of a back-to-back, and it was their third game in four nights.
The Sixers as a team shot just 39.1% from the floor compared to 50.6% for the Bulls. Philadelphia looked tired, which makes sense considering the trip. It heads home to prepare for a rematch with these Bulls.
On a positive note, the Sixers had Nic Batum return from a right hamstring strain. The veteran missed five games with the injury he suffered on Dec. 18 in a loss to the Bulls at home. Batum had nine points and knocked down three triples off the bench.
“It was good,” Nurse told reporters about Batum’s night. “I mean, it was on a fairly limited minutes restriction, right? I think 18 to 20 was the limits we were trying to run him in about five-minute spurts, but he certainly had a couple of shots, quick-release 3-balls, made a couple good passes. It’s good to have him back out there.”
Batum is such an important piece to this group. He looked a step slow on defense to start, but as he got his legs back under him, he was able to contribute more on that end of the floor. It really was an impressive run for him considering the time away.
“He did great,” added Tobias Harris. “I his defensive intensity, pressure. He’s giving us his all out there. So to be out and come back and give that type energy was great for us. I thought he was awesome.”
The Sixers will return home on Tuesday to play host to these Bulls.
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